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Indians settle grievance with Hagadone

Lefty receives service time, compensation for being placed on Minors disqualified list

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Hagadone's scoreless relief 0:34

6/9/13: Nick Hagadone enters in relief of Justin Masterson and holds the Tigers hitless in a shutout eighth inning

By Jordan Bastian
/
MLB.com |

CLEVELAND -- Nick Hagadone will be able to head into Spring Training with only his future with the Indians in mind.

According to a source, an agreement was reached in regard to the grievance filed on Hagadone's behalf by the Major League Baseball Players Association over a decision made by the Indians in July 2012. The settlement included Hagadone receiving both service time and compensation for his time spent on the Minor League disqualified list two years ago.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti declined to delve into the specifics of the situation, which was resolved earlier this offseason.

"The organization is pleased to have achieved resolution on this matter with the help of MLB and the MLBPA," Antonetti said in an email to MLB.com. "Out of respect to Nick and his teammates as they prepare to begin a new season, as well as for the process itself, we do not wish to discuss the matter in any more detail."

The grievance stemmed from an incident on July 6, 2012, when a frustrated Hagadone was lifted from an outing against the Rays after allowing two runs in two-thirds of an inning, giving him a 16.43 ERA over a span of 10 appearances. The pitcher slammed a door on his way to the clubhouse, breaking the radius bone in his left forearm in the process.

After Hagadone suffered the self-inflicted injury, Cleveland optioned him to Triple-A Columbus and placed him on the disqualified list on July 8. Hagadone, who required surgery to repair his fractured forearm, was ineligible for pay while on that list. Had the Indians placed him on the MLB disabled list, he would have still received his Major League salary.

In late July 2012, the MLBPA filed a grievance against the Indians with MLB, taking the situation out of the team's hands. Due to the recent ruling, Hagadone's Major League service time has been upgraded to one year plus 127 days. The lefty's service time had been at one year plus 33 days when the 2013 season ended.

Another aspect to MLB's ruling is that the Indians regain the Minor League option used to send Hagadone to Triple-A that July. That means that Cleveland will be able to send the lefty to the Minor Leagues without exposing him to waivers this season.

As things currently stand, the 28-year-old is one of six lefty relievers scheduled to be in camp with the Tribe this spring. Lefties Marc Rzepczynski and Josh Outman are the leading candidates among that group to make Cleveland's Opening Day bullpen. Other lefties in camp include Scott Barnes, Colt Hynes and Mike Zagurski.

In parts of three seasons with the Indians, Hagadone has posted a 5.59 ERA with 67 strikeouts and 42 walks in 72 appearances (67 2/3 innings). Last season, the lefty had a 5.46 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 21 walks in 36 games (31 1/3 innings). Over his career, Hagadone has held left-handed hitters to a .183 average (.587 OPS), compared to a .260 average (.784 OPS) against righties.

Cleveland acquired Hagadone from the Red Sox as part of the July 31, 2009, trade that sent Victor Martinez to Boston. All-Star Justin Masterson, the Tribe's rotation leader, and Minor League relief prospect Bryan Price also came to the Indians in that deal.